Can birth control patches cause nausea and vomiting?

Question

Hello doctor,

Last month, my girlfriend was using a birth control patch but began experiencing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Around the time of gathering, she decided to stop wearing the patch. During an intimate moment, while I was not wearing clothes and she remained clothed, there was genital contact, specifically, she rubbed her vagina over my penis. I ejaculated, and I am concerned that some semen may have come into contact with her underwear, particularly in the area covering her vagina.

Since then, she has not resumed wearing the patch. Approximately one to two weeks after that incident, she began experiencing daily nausea and vomiting again. These symptoms are similar to those she experienced while on the patch. I am unsure if these symptoms are related to hormonal withdrawal from stopping the patch or if there is a possibility that she may be pregnant, given the potential contact with semen.

I would greatly appreciate your guidance on what steps we should take next and whether she should take a pregnancy test or see a doctor about the symptoms.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for sharing openly, you are asking an important and valid question. Let us break this down clearly to help you understand what might be going on.

Can sperm through underwear cause pregnancy?

It is extremely unlikely, but not entirely impossible. If ejaculation occurred and semen soaked through thin underwear, and it made direct contact with her vaginal area, there is a small risk, though this scenario is rare. But sperm typically dies quickly when exposed to air or fabric. So, if there was no penetration and only external rubbing through clothing, the chance of pregnancy is very low.

What about her symptoms (nausea, vomiting)?

These symptoms could be caused by several factors, like hormonal side effects or withdrawal after stopping the birth control patch, stress or anxiety, and pregnancy, but only if ovulation and viable sperm exposure occurred. Stopping the patch can cause symptoms similar to early pregnancy, such as nausea, mood swings, breast tenderness, and irregular or delayed periods.

What should she do now?

Take a pregnancy test. The best time is at least three weeks after the incident or after a missed period. A home urine pregnancy test can also be reliable if used correctly.
See a doctor if the vomiting continues. Whether it is hormonal or due to pregnancy, persistent vomiting should be evaluated by a medical professional.

If there was no penetration and sperm only came into contact with the outside of her underwear, the risk of pregnancy is very low. If she stopped using the birth control patch and had unprotected sex shortly after, the risk is low to moderate, especially if it happened around the time of ovulation. Nausea and vomiting after stopping the patch are likely due to hormonal changes, but pregnancy cannot be ruled out without taking a test.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.